Freedom 85!Reviews

Andrea Risk and Debra Hale draw us into a touching, compelling story about aging and loss that propels us back and forth from the present to wartime Britain; it's funny, sad, quirky and sweet all at once.

Hale's chameleon-like script matches the versatility of the actresses, spanning geographical and historical distances. Short, intermittent flashbacks, keep too much backstory from clogging up the dialogue while also helping bring to light present-day motives or behaviour.

An elderly woman’s fear of living alone suddenly makes sense when you see her years earlier in WWII England, shielding herself from air raid bombs and sirens while also trying to keep her little sister safe.

Even the less dramatic aspects of the script have an overwhelming sense of sincerity. Common enough incidents like the torture of starting a new waitressing job during a breakfast rush or drinking too much at a wedding where you don’t know anybody ring distinct and isolated onstage, evoking visceral gut reactions of sympathy and concern from the audience.

With razor wit sticking out from all sides bound by a central theme of friendship, this play portrays the true landscape of a small-town diner and the stories behind its colorful regulars from all walks of life.

Eye Review﻿ Chris Bilton The Best of the Fringe List Rating: 4 STARS

Andrea Risk and Debra Hale master the nuances of old men, British war brides, Jamaican restaurateurs and an odd-coupled octogenarian nursing home escapee and her alcoholic homecare assistant in this two-woman show.

Such believability is only accentuated by the couple’s unbelievable execution of the clever blocking and fast-paced script that sweeps them through their many roles….benefits from many chuckle-worthy quips on the risqué side of quaint and at least a few genuinely touching dramatic turns.

Hale and Risk change characters faster than a teenager surfs TV channels in an amazing display guaranteed to make you laugh.... This glimpse into what seniors face as they give up their independence. the loss of their home and lifestyle is sad, but balanced by witty dialogue and situations it has a feel-good ending.

If you're a fan of the "Wingfield" series, you'll love "Freedom 85!" on now at the Bluewater Summer Playhouse in Kincardine.... Hale and Risk are superb at making you believe they are the various characters in this show. At one point, they are seated at a table in the diner, playing euchre, and portraying four people. First, they are Kate and Sybil, and seconds later, they have switched to Fred and Duff - it's quick and efficient and totally believable.

TO BlogTatiana Kachira Rating: two thumbs up + a standing ovation

The acting by Andrea Risk and Debra Hale is nothing short of superb. Each actress plays about half a dozen instantly recognizable characters seemingly effortlessly. The play has just the right mix of dramatic moments, tragic moments, bittersweet moments, and, of course, lots of comedic moments.

“Freedom 85”, a clever, entertaining, and touching one-act play that is part of the Frigid New York 2009 Festival, ends its New York run tomorrow (Sunday, Mar. 8). Every element of the production, from the script, to the performances, to the direction and sound design, is impressive.

The two actors, Debra Hale (who also wrote the piece) and Andrea Risk, are talented and energetic; they make an exciting team as they successfully take on the challenge of playing 12 distinctive characters of varying ages, ethnicities, and of both genders, without ever changing costumes or even leaving the stage.﻿

A comedy with poignant moments, the play takes us on a journey through Sybil’s past and present. Hale and Risk quickly create and re-create various settings and time periods with simplicity and specificity, dazzling the audience with their range and timing. I attended this afternoon’s performance and was pleased to see that the audience shared my enthusiasm as they gave the women a standing ovation, an occurrence that is rather rare off-off Broadway.

There are many interesting angles to Ms. Hale’s writing, a strong comedic element and several themes dealt with in an intelligent way. On its own, the play is worthy of your spending an evening at the theatre. What elevates this play to greatness, though, is the way in which Ms. Hale and Risk present it: by, not only playing all the 14 characters called for by the script, but by their rapid fire changes, which render every minute of dialogue with every diverse character completely convincing.

Don’t miss these exceptional performances.

NYtheatre.com Reviewed by Robert Weinstein

Freedom 85! is made more enjoyable still by reason of all 12 characters being brought to life by two actresses. Andrea Risk and Debra Hale skillfully shift characters within scenes and sometimes within conversations. It's immensely satisfying, for example, watching Risk trade lines with herself as both Sybil and Duff while playing cards as two of a foursome. Both play characters ranging in race, age, body type, and social status.